PITTSBURGH — Every time it appears Erik Bedard’s career is edging toward completion, the 34-year-old lefthander reminds baseball he still belongs on the mound.

Bedard was crucial to the Astros’ 4-2 11th-inning victory against the Pirates on Saturday at PNC Park, allowing just two runs and seven hits in six innings. Bedard’s previous season-high for innings was five, and he turned the ball over to four Astros relievers (Edgar Gonzalez, Wesley Wright, Jose Cisnero, Jose Veras), who held Pittsburgh to two hits and no runs in five frames.

Bedard was banished to the bullpen May 5. He gave up 22 hits and 17 runs in 11 1/3 combined innings from April 15-May 1, including a 1/3-inning, six-run embarrassment April 15 at Oakland. But the 10-year veteran returned to the rotation May 11 and he’s allowed just four runs during 11 innings in his last two starts.

Astros manager Bo Porter said Bedard — who threw 91 pitches for 59 strikes Saturday — is fully stretched out for the first time this season.

Bedard didn’t take in any extra pride in a strong outing at PNC, which marked his Pittsburgh return after going 7-14 with a 5.01 ERA with Pirates in 2012.

But the crafty, off-speed heavy Bedard does take pride in proving he still belongs on a mound.

“I’m still trying. I’ll never quit and I’ll keep trying until somebody says I can’t pitch anymore,” said Bedard, who’s 0-2 this season but lowered his ERA to 6.00.